What is Kennel Cough?
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), commonly known as "Kennel Cough", is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects all breeds and ages of dogs. Multiple bacterial and viral pathogens cause it and it is mainly found in places where large numbers of dogs congregate, such as:
Boarding kennels
Daycare facilities
Dog parks
Dog training groups
Dog shows
What are the symptoms of Kennel Cough?
The main symptom of kennel cough is a robust and honking cough that comes on suddenly. Other symptoms of kennel cough include:
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Sneezing
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
How is it diagnosed?
If your pet has any of the clinical signs listed above schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. A thorough history should be provided to see if your pet has had recent exposure, as most dogs with kennel cough produce a hacking cough or tracheal palpation during exercise. Ideally, testing should be performed to identify the infecting organism, and your veterinarian will take precautions to minimize transmission of the infection to other dogs when you take your dog in for an appointment.
How is it treated?
Uncomplicated cases of kennel cough usually resolve with little to no treatment, with cough-suppressing medicine being given to alleviate the symptoms during recovery to improve patient comfort. Sometimes kennel cough can develop into pneumonia, which can be very serious, so antibiotics are given to prevent this progression. Pets with kennel cough should be kept away from park and daycare facilities to minimize the spread of the disease, and you should also walk your dog with a harness leash to minimize tracheal stimulation.
Can Kennel Cough be prevented?
Vaccines for some pathogens contributing to kennel cough include Bordetella, adenovirus, and parainfluenza, with most boarding and grooming facilities requiring these vaccinations, and vaccination should also be considered for dogs that socialize with other dogs in places like dog parks. Unfortunately, the immunity gained from vaccination or natural infection does not last long and some dogs may need boosters every 6 months.
Conclusion
Speak with your veterinarian if you plan to introduce your dog to an environment with a large group of new dogs, and discuss if the vaccine for kennel cough makes sense for your dog. Call us at 559-434-5470 to book an appointment today if you believe your dog has kennel cough, giving us a heads-up so we can take the proper precautions when caring for your pet, and mitigate the spread of the illness.
Resources
American Kennel Club. Kennel Cough In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
American Veterinary Medical Association. Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex
American Humane. Kennel Cough
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